Zinn clearly expounds his theory on American government and its control over American society and how this control dates right back to the founding fathers. Zinn explores how many different groups have been manipulated and exploited: native American indians, negros, the working class, draftees, women, farmers, unionists, the middle class, etc., etc.

Further, he argues that the purpose of American foreign policy is, and has been, to protect and expand America’s commercial interests behind a mask of protecting democracy and freedom. Zinn explores America’s military interference in Cuba, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and others.

This is one history book which is not in the least turgid and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in history, politics or people.

Review: Zinn does very well in exposing the details of America's historical roots, highlighting controversial issues, explaining opposing theories and giving a balanced view of the conflicts that have ravaged its' history. However, the first few chapters, in which we learn of the blood-thirsty nature of the Spanish 'Discovery', seem more intent on telling the reader how 'un-biased' this book is. All in all though, a recommended read for any history buffs.

Review: This work by Howard Zinn is amazing. I read it over a year ago. If you enjoy American History this book is for you. If you do not enjoy american history this book is also for you. My eyes were opened to this book by a professor after I obtained my BA Degree and went back to undergrad work before I started grad school. I wish i would have been turned on to this work earlier.

This book is full of information that does not read at all like a textbook. Instead it is full of interesting stories of history from the eyes of those that are commonly opressed in history. The book is full of primary sources by using direct quotes.

This book provides an alternative view of history from the view that is commonly taught in school. You do not learn history from the top down but rather from the bottom up.

I would actually suggest this book to any american citizen, not only those interested in history if you want to know the true story of how our country has came to be.

Do yourself a favor and become a more knowlegable american citizen and read this book. You will not regret it.

Review: Peoples History is a book that should be read by all students interested in our nations history. It is an eye opening book that shows you things that many people have no clue about(speking about myself). I wish he would have covered more of US involvement in Latin America. Overall this is a must read though.

Review: Howard Zinn's "People's History" is an excellent tool for teachers who would like to introduce their students to different schools of thought regarding history.

As a member of the International Baccaulaureate (IB) program, I was introduced to Zinn's work in my History of America's course. Many high school students do not understand that history is more than facts and causes/effects charts. History is an incredible spread of different ideas: what is truth? what is lie? how do we know this happened? who said it happened this way? what are the limitations?

Zinn's work is a powerful tool for understanding that there are, in fact (surprise), different viewpoints on how we should interpretate or analyze history. Zinn believes that it should be viewed though the eyes of the oppressed. But there are other viewpoints, too, that high schoolers (and adults) should be aware of.

Thus, Zinn's work (whether "right" or "wrong") is an excellent tool for teaching or self-learning about the study of history itself.

Review: Excellent work and easy to read. Makes history real for real people. If history were taught like this maybe more people would find history to be both interesting and enlighening rather than something to put them to sleep. Also, extremely interesting to read during the fiasco in Iraq. Unfortunately makes one wonder if we ever can change our ways as a country. Perhaps if more people read this book and similar works there will be a chance for change.